Surprise encourages desert-compatible landscaping using native and drought-tolerant plants. The city's landscape code requires water-efficient plant selections for new development. Arizona native plants like palo verde, saguaro, and mesquite are protected under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904).
The Surprise landscape code promotes desert-compatible landscaping consistent with the Sonoran Desert environment. New development and commercial projects must include drought-tolerant and native plant species in landscape plans. The Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 through 3-916) protects certain native species including saguaro cacti — removal or destruction of protected native plants without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture is a crime. Salvage permits are required before clearing land with protected native plants. The city encourages replacing high-water-use turf with xeriscaping. EPCOR Water (Surprise's water provider) may offer rebates for turf conversion to desert landscaping. Common recommended species include palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, desert willow, and various native cacti and shrubs.
Destroying protected native plants (especially saguaro) without a salvage permit violates ARS 3-904, a class 4 felony for saguaros. New development not meeting landscape plan requirements will not receive final approval.
Surprise, AZ
Amplified music and sound in Surprise must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Amplified sound audible beyond property lines that disturbs neighbors is p...
Surprise, AZ
Excessive barking dogs in Surprise are addressed through the city's nuisance provisions and Maricopa County animal control regulations. Dogs that bark contin...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise regulates construction noise through its City Code. Residential construction is generally permitted Monday through Saturday during daytime hours. Su...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise is near Luke Air Force Base, which generates significant military jet noise. The city has no authority over military flight operations but maintains...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise does not experience snow and has no space saving or dibs system for parking. The desert climate eliminates the need for shoveled-out parking spot re...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or junk vehicles on public streets and visible on private property. Vehicles without current registration or that a...
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